30 St Mary Axe, better known as The Gherkin, is a 180-metre skyscraper in the City of London, designed by Norman Foster and completed in 2004. Its curved glass exterior and tapered shape make it easy to pick out among the City’s towers. The building is mainly offices, so there is no general public viewing gallery. For a chance to go inside and see the skyline from above, book a table at the rooftop restaurant or bars, or attend an event.
A glass tower in the City
The Gherkin’s official name is 30 St Mary Axe, the address it occupies in the City of London. Norman Foster designed the 180-metre skyscraper, which opened in 2004. Its rounded outline narrows toward the top, giving it the shape behind its familiar nickname. From outside, the curved profile and geometric glass panels set it apart from the surrounding buildings.
The tower’s design also has a practical side. Gaps between parts of its floors create channels for air to move through the building, supporting its ventilation system. The glass lets daylight into the offices and reduces the need for artificial lighting. Those details are part of what makes the building notable beyond its unusual silhouette.
The site before the tower
The building stands on the former site of the Baltic Exchange, which was badly damaged by an IRA bomb in 1992. The original plans for a much taller Millennium Tower were abandoned, and Foster’s smaller design became the tower now known as The Gherkin.
During construction, workers found the remains of a Roman girl. She was given a funeral at St Botolph’s Church and later reburied near The Gherkin. The street name, St Mary Axe, comes from a church that once stood in the area. The church had disappeared, but its name remains attached to the address.
Getting inside and seeing the skyline
The Gherkin is primarily an office building, and it does not have a public viewing gallery. Access to its upper floors is through venues and events rather than a standard sightseeing visit. Helix is the rooftop restaurant, while Iris is a bar with panoramic views over London. The top floors are also used for private events.
If you want to go up, arrange a restaurant or bar visit in advance. Iris is an option for a sunset drink, while Helix gives you a chance to pair the view with a meal. An event can also provide access to the building’s interiors and a different perspective on the City. If you are not booking anything inside, you can still appreciate the tower from street level and see how its reflective glass changes with the light.
FAQ
Can you go inside The Gherkin?
The building is mainly offices and has no general public viewing gallery. You can visit through venues such as Helix or Iris, or by attending an event.
Does The Gherkin have a public viewing gallery?
No. The rooftop restaurant and bar provide a way to see London from above, but there is no public viewing gallery.
Where is The Gherkin?
It is at 30 St Mary Axe in the City of London.
Who designed The Gherkin?
Norman Foster designed the tower. It opened in 2004.
